Archibald Campbell, 5th Earl of Argyll facts for kids

Archibald Campbell, 5th Earl of Argyll (born around 1532 or 1537 – died 12 September 1573) was an important Scottish nobleman and politician. He played a big role in Scotland's government during the time of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the early part of James VI's reign.

Becoming a Powerful Leader

Archibald Campbell became the 5th Earl of Argyll in 1558, after his father, Archibald Campbell, 4th Earl of Argyll, passed away. This made him one of the most powerful nobles in Scotland.

He was a strong supporter of the Protestant religion. Along with his brother-in-law, James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray (who was the son of James V of Scotland), he became a follower of the famous religious leader John Knox around 1556. Like his father, Archibald was a key figure in the movement to change the church in Scotland.

He signed an important agreement in December 1557, which was likely the first "godly band." This was a promise among nobles to support the Protestant faith. Soon, Argyll became one of the leaders of the Lords of the Congregation, a group of Scottish Protestant nobles.

Argyll and Stewart worked together with William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley from England to get English help against the Scottish regent, Mary of Guise. They were very important in setting up the Treaty of Edinburgh in 1560. This treaty led to the success of the Protestant Lords and the removal of French and English soldiers from Scotland. Around this time, Cecil described Argyll as "a goodly gentleman universally honoured of all Scotland."

Big Changes in Scotland

Losing Influence

When the young Mary, Queen of Scots, returned to Scotland in 1561, Argyll and Stewart (who was now the Earl of Moray) kept their important roles. They continued to try and keep Scotland friendly with England.

However, their top position in the royal court changed in 1565. This happened when the Queen married Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. Darnley had claims to the English throne, which made Elizabeth I of England unhappy. This led Argyll and other Protestant leaders to start a rebellion.

When the English did not help their Scottish allies, Argyll was the only rebel who could stay in Scotland. This was because he had a very strong position in the Highlands. The English not helping made Argyll start to lose faith in his policy of being friendly with England.

Working with Earl Moray

Over the next two years, Argyll's political views changed slowly. He remained close to his old friend Moray. Argyll joined the "Chaseabout Raid" in August 1565, which was another rebellion against the Queen. He was also connected to the deaths of David Rizzio in 1566 and Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley in 1567.

He was very upset by the Queen's marriage to James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell. He joined Moray and other Protestant leaders in fighting Mary and Bothwell that year. This led to the Queen's capture at Carberry Hill. However, Argyll disagreed with his allies about removing the Queen from her throne.

Important Roles and Battles

After Mary escaped from prison in 1568, Argyll became the leader of the Queen's supporters. He led Mary's army in the defeat at the Battle of Langside. He did not show much military skill in this battle.

He continued to support the Queen's cause after she fled to England. But eventually, he made peace with the regent Matthew Stewart, 4th Earl of Lennox in 1571. He then supported the King's side. He did this to help bring peace to Scotland and reduce England's involvement in Scottish matters. He joined the Privy Council of Scotland that year. In 1572, he became the Lord Chancellor of Scotland, which was a very high legal and political position.

Involvement in Ulster

As the chief of Clan Campbell, Argyll was also very involved in the politics of Ulster (a region in Ireland) during the 1560s. He first hoped to work with the English to protect his land claims against other Irish families. However, the English were not willing to work with him. This led him to arrange marriages between three fighting clans in Ulster. This would later have a big impact on Irish history, especially with the rebellion led by Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone in the 1590s.

Family and Passing

Archibald Campbell first married Lady Jean Stewart. She was the daughter of James V of Scotland. This made her the half-sister of both Mary, Queen of Scots, and Moray.

After this marriage ended, Argyll married Jean Cunningham in August 1573. She was the daughter of the Earl of Glencairn. Jean Cunningham gave birth to a son after Argyll's death, but the baby was stillborn.

Argyll passed away in September 1573. He did not have any sons who survived him. He was buried at Kilmun Parish Church. His half-brother, Colin Campbell, 6th Earl of Argyll, became the next Earl.